FocusWise and foolish conduct
Connection to the wholeThe shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
interpretation Proverbs 11:18
KJVThe wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
Read it in context
Contrasts Between the Righteous and the Wicked
Start reading at Proverbs 11:1 (Proverbs 11:1 to Proverbs 11:31).
This chapter is a collection of individual proverbs that consistently contrast the characteristics and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked, making the entire chapter a coherent unit.
- 11:1 A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.
- 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
- 11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
- 11:4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
- 11:5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
- 11:6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
- 11:7 When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
- 11:8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.
- 11:9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
- 11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.
- 11:11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
- 11:12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
- 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
- 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
- 11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
- 11:16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
- 11:17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
- 11:18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
- 11:19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
- 11:20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
- 11:21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
- 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
- 11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
- 11:24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
- 11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
- 11:26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
- 11:27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
- 11:28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
- 11:29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
- 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
- 11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 10:1–21:31): The sayings instruct learners in Israel's wisdom tradition. The righteous, wicked, wise, foolish, rulers, and household members are examples or subjects of the sayings, not necessarily the immediate people being addressed. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the contrast between the futile and deceitful efforts of the wicked and the certain, positive outcome for those who practice righteousness. It highlights that actions have consequences, with different outcomes for the wicked and the righteous.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His moral order, where wickedness leads to empty and deceitful results, but sowing righteousness leads to a guaranteed reward. This demonstrates God's justice and His delight in uprightness.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is wisdom literature, specifically a proverb that uses antithetical parallelism to contrast two opposing ideas or outcomes.
When
- When was it written? The book of Proverbs was written approximately between 950 and 700 B.C. book background
- When does the event take place? The principles described in this proverb are timeless and apply to human conduct and its consequences across various times and situations. stated in the text
Where
- Where did it happen? The proverb describes universal principles of conduct and consequence, not a specific event tied to a particular location. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The primary author, Solomon, was located in Jerusalem when he wrote many of these proverbs. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Contrasts Between the Righteous and the Wicked (Proverbs 11:1 to Proverbs 11:31). Start reading at Proverbs 11:1. This chapter is a collection of individual proverbs that consistently contrast the characteristics and outcomes of the righteous and the wicked, making the entire chapter a coherent unit.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse fits within a larger section of Proverbs 11 that consistently contrasts the character, actions, and ultimate destinies of the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the benefits of integrity and the pitfalls of deceit. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Christ perfectly sowed righteousness throughout His life, fulfilling all of God's will. His work was not deceitful but true and perfect, and He received the sure reward of resurrection, exaltation, and eternal life, which He shares with those who believe in Him. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, this proverb encourages believers to engage in righteous actions and honest labor, trusting that God will provide a certain and lasting reward for their integrity, rather than pursuing deceitful or wicked schemes that ultimately yield nothing of true value. interpretation
Cited: Proverbs 11:18, Proverbs 1:18, Proverbs 5:22, Proverbs 22:8, Psalm 126:5-6, Hosea 10:12-13, Galatians 6:8-9, James 3:18
Who wrote it, and how we know
Solomon, with Agur and Lemuel
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names Solomon, and also Agur and King Lemuel, and notes that Hezekiah's men copied out further proverbs.
Proverbs 1:1Proverbs 25:1Proverbs 30:1Proverbs 31:1
Early traditionTradition credits Solomon as the principal author.
What is debatedThe book itself describes later collecting, so it reached its final form after Solomon.
Related passages
- wicked Prov 1:18 Prov 5:22 Job 27:13-23 Eccl 10:8 Isa 59:5-8 Eph 4:22
- but Prov 22:8 Ps 126:5-6 Hos 10:12-13 Gal 6:8-9 Jas 3:18
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 11
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Instruction and wisdom's call
Proverbs 1:1–9:18FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeExtended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation FocusWise and foolish conduct
Connection to the wholeThe shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
interpretation Words of the wise
Proverbs 22:17–24:34FocusInstruction, justice, and disciplined conduct
Connection to the wholeThis collection continues the instruction through longer admonitions and observations, including further sayings of the wise.
interpretation Further proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 25:1–29:27FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule
Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation The words of Agur
Proverbs 30:1–33FocusHuman limits and ordered observations
Connection to the wholeAgur's words combine confession of limited understanding, prayer, and numerical sayings about the world and human conduct.
interpretation The words of Lemuel and the capable woman
Proverbs 31:1–31FocusJust rule and faithful work
Connection to the wholeThe final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.